Settlement timeframe: order on settlement applications must be passed within prescribed period or proceedings abate and return to adjudicator. The amendment inserts a sub section requiring that the order under sub section (5) be passed within nine months from the last day of the month in which the application under section 127B is made; if no order is passed within that period the settlement proceedings shall abate and the adjudicating authority shall dispose of the application as if no application had been made. The period may be extended by the Settlement Commission for reasons recorded in writing for up to three months, and pending applications on assent are reckoned from the assent date.